Fitness profiles of elite female judokas of the Serbian national team

Abstract

Aim. The purpose of this study was to determine fitness profiles of top-level female judokas of the Serbian national team and to find which physical and physiological characteristics separate the more successful from less successful athletes. Methods. Sixteen elite female judokas of the Serbian national team (weight categories from 48-78 kg) took part in the study. The participants were allocated in two experimental groups (Group A and Group B) according to their achievements in previous international competitions. Group A (top-quality performers) consisted of eight judokas who won at least one or more individual medals in international competitions in the last five years. Group B (sub-elite athletes) consisted of eight athletes who had not won any individual medals internationally. Anthropometric and physical fitness values (including body fat, muscle strength, aerobic and anaerobic fitness) were measured in all subjects. Results. Group A had significantly lower fat mass as compared to group B (P<0.05). The differences between the two groups for aerobic fitness were non-significant after normalizing maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) for lean body mass (P>0.05). The differences between two groups were significant for bench press and seated-row pull with superior results recorded for elite athletes as compared to sub-elite counterparts (P<0.05). Significant differences between groups were found in number of throws during specific judo fitness test (SJFT) and lactate concentrations 5 minutes post-exercise (La 5) (P<0.05). Conclusion. The present study indicates that a strong relationship exists between body fat, strength and performance level in elite female judo.